Azkadellia got out of bed and bathed quickly before braiding her hair and putting on her favorite gown, lavender velvet. She had made a decision.
Az opened the door and called the page waiting at the end of the hall. She handed three pieces of parchment to the page with specific instructions and then walked out to the gazebo. Ten minutes later, Glitch showed up.
"You summoned me?" He said, very scatterbrained.
"Yes… you remember when you comforted me after I spoke to Zero?"
"Sure, doll," He smiled.
"Do you remember seeing a faint blue light?" She sat on the swing. Glitch nodded. "Well, it means that we're… intended." When Glitch looked puzzled, Az just smiled, having imagined that he wouldn't know the legend. "Thanks Glitch. That's all." Glitch bowed awkwardly and then left, passing Zero as he came to meet Az at the gazebo.
"Princess," Zero too bowed awkwardly, unsure of what to do.
"Zero. I have an answer for you." She smiled kindly at him, but he missed the sadness in her eyes. He walked toward her and took her hands in his, moving to kiss her, but she stopped him with a gentle touch to his cheek. "Not that kind of answer." He looked down at her hands in his.
"I see." He moved to leave but Az held fast to his hands.
"You have to know why…" Az rubbed the back of his hand in hers, sweetly. "I just resolved the last… 12 or so years of my life after being possessed and finding my sister who I thought was dead. I can barely handle myself right now, and you deserve to start anew."
"I…"
"Don't." Az put her hand on his cheek again. "You need a different life just as much as I do." Zero nodded in understanding and kissed on of her hands before walking back to the palace, passing Jeb on the way.
"Jeb, hi." Az smiled sweetly to him and he smiled back, blushing.
"Hi."
"I have an answer for you." She said, and Jeb knelt down at her feet and took her hands in his. "I do love you." She smiled and he smiled back, surprised, but very happy.
"May I ask you another question?" Jeb asked and Azkadellia nodded. "Will you marry me?"
Az ran her fingers through his hair and leaned down, giving him a loving kiss. When she pulled away, she shook her head and stood, walking back to the palace without another word. Jeb stayed kneeling for a moment, stunned at first, but then he stood, smirking and shaking his head.